Travel to China! For a limited time only save up to $800 per couple on this China River Cruise that includes a Yangtze river cruise! Reserve by February 28, 2019 to qualify for the early booking discount. Space is limited so please reserve early.

For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00-5:30 EST) at 800-337-7773.

Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1-800-337-7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of $300 per person non-refundable, non-transferable deposit which must be received within 48 hours of reservation. Full payment is due 75 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. For complete booking information and terms & conditions click here.

Day 1

Day 2

Arrive in Shanghai.After crossing the International Date Line you arrive late this afternoon in Shanghai, often described as “Paris of the East”. An intriguing, dynamic city, today’s Shanghai weaves the seaport legacy of its past with impressive new 21st century architecture. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport and escorted to your luxury hotel. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a welcome briefing. Crowne Plaza Fudan Hotel

Day 3

Shanghai.This morning embark on a guided stroll down the Bund, the bustling and exciting waterfront along the Huangpu River. Continue with a walk amidst the scenic ponds, colorful pavilions and walkways of the 16th century Yu Yuan Garden, a delightful reminder of old Shanghai. Afternoon return to hotel and the balance of the day is at leisure to explore at your own pace. This evening, enjoy an included buffet dinner at the hotel followed by an optional mesmerizing acrobatic show. (B,D)

Day 4

Shanghai/Beijing.Start your day with a visit to the acclaimed Shanghai Museum displaying exquisite ancient Chinese art and artifacts. After lunch, fly to Beijing, China’s lively capital and host to the 2008 Summer Olympics. Upon arrival, transfer to your deluxe hotel centrally located in downtown Beijing, within easy access to Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Capital Hotel (B,L)

Day 5

Beijing & The Great WallOn today’s exhilarating excursion venture outside the city to the legendary Great Wall, which extends nearly 4,000 miles. Time to view and mount the well-preserved ramparts of this ancient wonder before proceeding to the Summer Palace, a former royal retreat of the Empress Dowager and now a lovely park. Here, enjoy a scenic boat ride on peaceful Kunming Lake. This evening savor an included special banquet featuring the famous “Peking Duck”. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Beijing.Today is at leisure to explore as you wish. You may join an optional Hutong and Temple of Heaven excursion ($65, lunch included). Visit Beijing’s ancient back alleys (Hutong) by rickshaw and witness the way the Chinese have lived for centuries. You’ll also visit the home of a local family and have lunch with them. Continue to the splendid Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture. This evening you’ll be our guest and delight in the “Legend of Kung Fu” show, a special stage performance that blends music and martial arts, highlighting the history and development of the fascinating Chinese martial arts, known as Kung Fu. (B)

Day 7

Beijing & Xian.After breakfast this morning, visit the vast Tiananmen Square, surrounded by impressive buildings and monuments. It is an excellent spot for people watching! Later, discover with a local expert the Forbidden City, former seat of the emperors throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is a true architectural masterpiece and home to the National Palace Museum. In the afternoon you’ll delight in a visit to the Beijing Zoo where you’ll see the adorable Giant Pandas. Later today, fly to Xian, ancient capital of China for eleven dynasties and historic gateway to the old silk trading route. Golden Flower Hotel (B,L)

Day 8

Xian & Terra Cotta Warriors.On an included guided excursion visit one of the world’s most amazing archaeological discoveries: a life-size Terra Cotta Army of soldiers and horses guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi. It was unearthed in 1974 after being buried with the first Qin emperor for 22 centuries! Later, visit the intriguing Tang Art Museum and view excellent exhibits and demonstrations of Chinese culture including folk arts, ancient painting works and calligraphy. This evening savor a delicious dumpling dinner, a local specialty, and delight in a Tang Dynasty spectacular folklore show. (B,L,D)

Day 9

Xian/Yichang/Embark Ship.Today board a short flight to Wuhan, and upon arrival, transfer to Yichang, a sprawling riverfront town in western Hubei Province. Yichang is also the gateway to the Yangtze River Gorges. Later today you’ll embark your luxurious River Cruiser and settle into the spacious cabin. Set sail late tonight. Victoria Cruises Premier Ship (B,L,D)

Day 10

Yangtze River Cruising.Spend the day cruising along one of the world’s finest stretches of river scenery. First, dock at Sandouping village and visit the ongoing Yangtze Dam project, the world’s largest hydroelectric power project. You’ll enjoy a lecture on the progress of the project, view a model of the completed dam and savor the scenic views. Return to your ship and sail through the Three Gorges ship-locks towards the Xiling Gorge, a long, twisting passage through rushing rapids, weathered peaks, landmark caves and temples. Tonight, you’ll be the Captain’s guest at a cocktail reception. (B,L,D)

Day 11

Yangtze River Cruising.An unforgettable day begins as you continue sailing through the Three Gorges. Proceed through the misty Wu Gorge, its twelve peaks soaring above. Dock in Wushan and board a smaller boat for a thrilling side trip up the Daning River to see the “Small Gorges,” presenting some of China’s most spectacular scenery. Towering cliffs soar over the narrow river and unique wildlife abound. Your spectacular voyage unfolds as you pass through the last of the “Three Gorges”, Qutang. This breathtaking narrow passage is the grandest of them all. (B,L,D)

Day 12

Yangtze River Cruising.Today, continue your cruise along the Yangtze River. Dock in Shibaozhai, known for its magnificent wooden Pagoda and appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze”. The pagoda was built without nails and is considered one of the gems of Chinese architecture. (Note: Shore excursion is subject to change due to water level.) Tonight, enjoy a farewell banquet and cultural show on board. (B,L,D)

Day 13

Arrive Chongqing/Disembark Ship/Guilin.Disembark in the mountain city of Chongqing, a modern river port with ancient history spanning 3000 years. Later, fly southward to Guilin, home to the magnificent karst limestone formations, mist-covered hills and bamboo groves made famous through centuries of Chinese art. This afternoon, visit the famous Reed Flute Cave. Guilin Bravo Hotel (B,L)

Day 14

Guilin & Li River Cruise.Towering limestone pinnacles and misty waters form the backdrop of today’s leisurely cruise on the fabled Li River. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery before arriving at the bustling market town of Yangshuo where you have some free time to explore and shop. This evening savor a special dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 15

Guilin/Hong Kong.Today, you’ll take a high-speed “bullet” train to Guangzhou, a prosperous city in southern China. Here, board a high-speed catamaran for a short ride through the Pearl River Delta to the scenic harbor of Hong Kong. Transfer to your hotel in the heart of bustling Kowloon, near the majestic harbor promenade. Regal Kowloon Hotel (B)

Day 16

Hong Kong.A morning tour of Hong Kong Island features a ride to the top of Victoria Peak for a spectacular city and harbor view. Then visit the renowned Stanley Market where bargains await, scenic Repulse Bay and the exotic Aberdeen floating fishing village. The afternoon is at leisure for shopping or independent exploration. Do not miss the great opportunity to savor the amazing array of delicacies in this culinary Mecca. (B)

Day 17

Hong Kong.A day at leisure in Hong Kong, where East meets West, or perhaps join an optional excursion via high-speed turbojet ride to Macau, a fascinating city 65 kilometers west of Hong Kong. Formerly under Portuguese rule, you’ll be struck by the clear European/Mediterranean influence with its beautiful fortresses and churches yet its simultaneous Chinese heritage. Also, for those so inclined, it happens to be the gambling capital of Asia! (B)

Day 18

Hong Kong/USA.Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA. Your memorable journey comes to an end as you arrive back in the U.S. later today. (B)

Nights 15-17

To enhance and make your China tour packages more complete and memorable, you will be offered several optional tours and cultural/dining evening activities. Payment should be made by cash (U.S. dollars). You may also pay with credit card (Visa or Mastercard only!). Please note that if you wish to use credit card, 4% service charge will be added automatically by the bank to the optional tour prices listed below. A minimum purchase of $150 is required if you wish to use your credit card. Once paid, optional tours are non-refundable. Additional optional tours may be added for your enjoyment, and the optional tours listed below may not be available on all departure dates.

Shanghai

Shanghai Acrobats Performance ($35 per person)This evening you will delight in seeing a breathtaking performance of the renowned Shanghai Acrobats.

Beijing

Full-Day Hutong (Old Beijing) & Temple of Heaven Tour with Lunch ($65 per person)Enjoy an unforgettable look behind-the-scenes of Hutong, the old city of Beijing. You’ll ride on a traditional three-wheel cycle through the labyrinth which comprises this quarter. Walk along ancient back alleys and see where ordinary citizens live side by side with gracious old estates once owned by Beijing’s old aristocracy. After an included lunch, proceed to the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of architectural harmony and precision.

Hong Kong

Macau Day Tour with Lunch (approx. $130 per person)Take the turbojet ride to Macau, formerly under Portuguese rule, you’ll be struck by the clear European/Mediterranean influence with its beautiful fortresses and churches yet its simultaneous Chinese heritage. Your visit today includes A-Ma Temple, Mount Fortress, Section of the Old Walls, Nam Van Lake and the ruins of St. Paul Cathedral. Time to try your luck at the Casino before returning to Hong Kong by turbojet later this afternoon.Note: This optional tour is available with payment by cash only.

Traveler Videos

Check out videos from smarTours travelers on this trip of a lifetime!

Trip Prep

Trip Preparation

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Your departure flights from the USA and back are on China Eastern Airlines. You are expected to arrive at your gateway airport, Los Angeles (LAX) or New York (JFK), no later than 3 ½ hours before your scheduled departure time.

Departure Date

Airline

LAX

JFK

Depart

Return

Depart

Return

Mar. – Oct. 2019

China Eastern Airlines

12:30PM

10:00AM

4:30PM

2:30PM

Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs if you are planning a connecting fight. We recommend at least 3 ½ hours.Please note that flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT

Air China & China Eastern Airlines do not assign seats in advance. Please note that smarTours is not involved with your seat assignment. It is between you and the airline! Seat assignment can only be arranged upon check-in at the airport.

LAND ONLY TRAVELERS

International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land only travelers are responsible for arranging the entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.

Main Tour: Land only services start upon independent check in at Shanghai hotel on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on the tour page. Land Only Services end after breakfast at Hong Kong hotel on Day 18 of the itinerary listed on the tour page. Please note that smarTours will provide the invitation letters for the specific dates of our tour. If you plan on arriving earlier or staying in the country after the end of our tour, you will be responsible for securing your own invitation letter for the extra time spent in the country.

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

Travel to China requires a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. American citizens require visa to enter China. Non U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates as to the most current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. Passengers traveling to China need to have individual visas stamped in their passports. To obtain an individual visa for China, please follow one of the following:

If you prefer to apply for your visa directly with the Chinese Consulate, you will have to apply in person.Chinese Consulates do not accept mailed-in visa applications. Please contact the Chinese Consulate nearest your area for visa requirements and application forms and fees.

If you do not reside close to a consulate, we suggest that you use a visa service to facilitate the processing of the visa. We recommend using CIBT. Please use the following link to download instructions and forms at http://www.cibt.com/home.aspx?Login=50002

If you do not have access to a computer, and you are not able to apply for your visa in person, please contact CIBT to have a form mailed to you. If you plan to use the services of CIBT and have any questions regarding the application please call them directly at 800-406-1523.

We recommend that you apply for the visa in-person or through CIBT, at least 45-50 days before your scheduled departure to China. If you apply earlier, your visa may expire by the time you are scheduled to take your trip!

PLEASE NOTE: An invitation letter addressed to the Chinese Consulate will be e-mailed to you approximately 50 days prior to your departure date. This invitation letter will include the addresses and telephone numbers of the hotels and land operator in China. You will need to print this invitation and present it with your China visa application. When you send us your final payment, please make sure you provide us with your correct e-mail address on your tour registration form. Also please note that visa procedures may change at any time. You should check directly with the consulate, or if using CIBT online at www.cibt.com, for the most up to date instructions before submitting your paperwork. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.

TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS

Your airline tickets along with final instructions and additional travel tips will be sent to you 10 – 7 days before the scheduled departure of your tour. Please make sure to advise us in case your address changes.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Immunizations are NOT currently required; however, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities as to their suggestions.

CLIMATE

You may expect temperatures averaging in the 50’s in March and November, 60’s in April, 60’s and 70’s in May, September and October and 80’s in June through August. Hong Kong temperatures are somewhat warmer.

NON-INCLUDED MEALS

The hotels used on this tour have several dining choices from coffee shop to specialty restaurants. Average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) in the coffee shop is about $15-20 per meal per person. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency or U.S. Dollars. Your hotels will be able to exchange for you cash to local currency. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.

BAGGAGE

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (maximum 44 pounds) and one carry-on piece. Carry on must not exceed 18”x10”x8”. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.

Reviews

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smarTours

Average rating:

35 reviews

Sep 27, 2018

by Karen Giordano on smarTours

Fabulous in every way

This was our first Smartour we took on the recommendation of a friend who has taken several. You did not disappoint. Mark was our tour guide for the group of 13. We were more like a family who he led us through tours, flights, hotels. We never felt cheated with any sightseeing with 4 intro China flights. No time wasted. The hidden gem and highlight for us was Guilin. Beautiful city and extraordinary hotel. The only criticism would be the location of the Shanghai Crowne Plaza. It was 30 mins. Outside of the city. Luckily we did our own air because I knew I needed time to adjust after traveling 20 hours. The daytime tours were excellent but no other guests had the opportunity to see Shanghai at night. Our next stop, Beijing hotel was 2 blocks from Tianemen Square. All 13 of us walked to experience it lite up at night. Thank you for Mark, the itinerary and beautiful hotels. You are on my list of recommended travel tours.

Jun 12, 2018

by Marge Geldmacher on smarTours

Amazing Adventure

The China & Yangtze River Cruise w/ Hong Kong was truly amazing! Smartours had all arrangements down to a science, with all tours and transfers running like clockwork. Our tour director, Jason Hu, was a wonderful, caring young man who went the extra mile to take care of our group of 19....always with a smile. Our tour guides, Jennifer, Tom, Alun, Kenny, Linda and Kelly were very knowledgeable and smoothed the way for some interesting tours, as well as being very attentive. The Yangtze River cruise was wonderful and the scenery magnificent. We could not have asked for better accommodations or meals in China....all places were truly the best, as was the Hong Kong hotel. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone seeking a top notch tour to see the highlights of China!

Nov 20, 2017

by Martha & Julian on smarTours

18 Amazing Days in China

Julian and I are still talking and telling everyone we meet about the surprisingly wonderful trip we recently took. Our guide, Mr. Li Bo, Oscar, was our mother, father, savior, historian, bathroom locator and best friend throughout the entire trip. He seemed to have a second sense and was there when we needed him, either for a pharmacy, help with our luggage or credit cards and the ATM's. The local guides, especially Allie, in Shanghai were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The hotels and Yangtze River rooms were excellent. All the shows, parks and extras and river cruises were wonderful. The food was pretty good but the hot pots and dim sum that we had when we ventured out on our own was sensational. It's an amazing country with beautiful and unusual sites. I look forward to more trips with SmarTours and I can only hope that they are as great as this trip was for us. Thank you Oscar.

Nov 20, 2017

by Robert Kocher on smarTours

Outstanding private group tour

We were a group of 34 seniors departing from JFK on 12 Oct 2017. The itinerary was the same as the standard 17-day tour and it was well-paced for our group. Mark Ma was our Tour Director, and he was very helpful, friendly and made sure that everyone was safe and enjoying the trip. My group has been on several guided international tours, and this was one of the best. smarTours helped us set up the tour, get our visas and got us first-class hotels throughout the trip. I recommend that you consider them for your travel group. Ms. Suzanne Anderson at their NYC office was specially helpful. Thanks to everyone at smarTours for this excellent experience.

Oct 9, 2017

by Sheryl & Phil Carey on smarTours

China & Yangtze River Cruise with Hong Kong

We just returned from our 4th SmarTour. Our guide Sun Harry made our China trip outstanding. He spoke perfect English, was knowledgeable, kind, friendly,fun and was able to keep our large group of 34 with different needs and wants very happy. He taught us so much about the chinese culture. He always informed us in advance of what we needed for the next adventure. The trip was very active and diversified and we visited cities, villages, and enjoyed lunch in a family home. We interacted and had many opportunities to join local welcoming people in their different recreational activities like exercising in the parks and listening to music. The food was outstanding with many choices. The 4-day Yangtze River was spectacular. The beautiful hotel accommodations were places we would not be able to stay at if not on this tour. We were taken to many cultural performances that we will always remember. Thank you Sun for making our trip so special and teaching us so much. We also enjoyed the other local guides knowledge.

Jun 8, 2017

by Risa meyer on smarTours

Amazing China adventure

From start to finish this trip was packed with amazing historical, cultural, and contemporary China. Our guide Harry, whose pleasure it was to share his passion for his country's history was always helpful and ready to answer our questions. Harry was the best guide ever, and I highly recommend touring with him. The itinerary is not to be believed! The accommodations are deluxe. Pack light, as it is very informal, and wear good shoes. Do not miss this trip. You won't be sorry. I cannot wait to experience another trip with SmarTours!

Jun 2, 2017

by Helena on smarTours

China & Yangtze River Cruise with Hong Kong

We had a excellent trip in China!

That was already our 6s tour with SmarTours and the tour met all our expectations. The itinerary and the hotels were very good. Especially thanks to our terrific tour guide Oscar for all of his help and attention.

The photos are below:

China - https://flic.kr/s/aHskW8CZ85

Hong Kong - https://flic.kr/s/aHskUShhvU

Dec 24, 2016

by Alvin Falkenstein on smarTours

Great China Trip

Great trip from the start. China Eastern Airline treats its customers better than a lot of U.S. airlines. Seats had enough room, 3 sufficient meals were served on the 15 hour flight. Our guide, Li Bo, was absolutely exceptional from start to finish of the tour. The hotels were all 5 star. The sites along the trip were all unbelievable, even without the optional tours. We had enough free time to do the little extra things that we wanted to do. The local guide were all very good, friendly and knowledgeable. China surprised us with its absolute beauty, size, opulence of the tourist sites. Even the factories that were visited proved to be eye opening and not just tourist traps. The trip left us extremely happy that we had taken it and was an absolute bargain.

Nov 30, 2016

by Sharon Kuchler on smarTours

Fabulous China trip

On October 13, 2016, we left for our trip to China & the Yangtze River Cruise.

27 people who couldn't wait to meet each other and most of all our tour guide, Mark Ma. To say that he's the best would be an understatement. Our trip was fabulous from the moment we met him til we boarded the plane, homeward bound. His knowledge of China is vast and his English is perfect. This is my 3rd trip with Smart Tours and I love traveling with them. The price is unbeatable for what we always get. From hotels, to transportation, tours and food Smart Tours can't be beat. The trip is physically demanding but the upside is I lost 6 pounds from so much walking. I can't wait for my next trip. Thanks!!

Nov 10, 2016

by Bonnie Kelly/Ron Dunsdon on smarTours

Great but exhausting tour

We hit the road running, flight from LA to Shanghai...our guide Mark was waiting for us and we set off for the hotel. Mark Ma spent the entire time with us. For most of us that have travelled a lot, we all felt he was one of the best ever. He was patient, intelligent, knowledeable, and informative. There were 26 in our group of varying ages and abilities. At the end of the day, we saw so much and were ready for bed at night. There is so much to see, but the crowds of people for us proved very tiring. China proved to be a remarkable country, we were all blown away how they have advanced mainly since Tienamen and then of course where they are going from here. The cities were all new and amazing, and very, very clean. We were hard pressed to find any litter anywhere. All of the major attractions were amazing....The Terra Cotta Warriors were almost beyond belief...no one should miss seeing this piece of history. At every place we went, Mark and smarTours had arranged for a tour guide for us for that area....they were able to give us great insight to that days activities from a local perspective.For your information, we saw tours from much more expensive tour companies all along the way...they were seeing most of the same sights, staying at many of the same hotels...be sure to realize the value of this trip